Partnerships that make a difference: IATSE 891 Members Getting Involved

The following interview is part of the IATSE 891 newsletter series. What’s being done right now, and coming up, to make the industry more sustainable, where do you see the next ‘easy wins’, and what are the big challenges?

Easy wins are for everyone to get trained through Reel Green™ – the courses are free, they’re online and even if you think you know the basics, you’ll learn something. Follow #reelgreen online or subscribe to the newsletter for the next courses. Just getting the training will change your mindset and equip you to make day-to-day changes that add up to a lot.

Big challenges are to shift industry mindset. Change is hard, as we all have learned during the pandemic but individuals making efforts towards sustainable practice make a huge difference. We are striving to debunk myths about the reliability of alternate power sources and finding ways to tie in to grid power. If every member of 891 could ask themselves how their job or impact could be more sustainable, we could see a major shift and transformation in this industry. We have seen amazing and powerful change already and know that there is huge support for it. Reel Green loves to hear these stories, please let us know!!

How can 891 members get more involved in making the industry more sustainable?

891 members can get trained via the Reel Green Climate and Sustainable Production course as well as the Carbon Calculator and use these tools to become active participants in the movement. The Reel Green Clean energy committee has launched a toolkit with several resources that can be helpful for members to start conversations about clean energy or sustainability practices. Ultimately, implementation of alternative power will make sets more sustainable, not just environmentally but for impact on communities. When we consume less diesel, we are minimizing impact on our host communities. Every 891 member can contribute to the movement by making sure they don’t idle, re-use materials when possible and approach every location with a goal of accessing grid power vs. running a diesel generator. 891 members are the champions that can propel change.

In light of these topics, how has 891 contributed to raising the safety standards and creative excellence of the industry through its advocacy and investments on training?

IATSE 891 has been integral to both raising safety standards and thinking outside the box when it comes to training and forward-thinking change. Investing in training for members is crucial for the sustainability of the industry in BC. We are regarded by other jurisdictions as being leaders in many areas of change and without the commitment and ongoing collaboration of 891, this would not be possible. When we work together, we make positive and long-lasting change.